Calculation of sensor array induced phase angle independent from demodulation phase offset of phase generated carrier

ABSTRACT

A sensor array employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle φ on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier with a demodulation phase offset β. The phase angle φ is calculated independently of the demodulation phase offset β.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates generally to signal processing and more particularly to demodulation of signals from fiber optic sensor arrays.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Fiber optic sensor arrays of a time division multiplexed (“TDM”) system are often used to measure a change in a parameter, for example, acoustic vibration, fluid pressure variations, acceleration, and magnetic field intensity. The fiber optic sensor array employs a phase generated carrier with a period T to measure the change in the parameter at a given sampling rate. The fiber optic sensor array converts a phase angle associated with the parameter to an amplitude variation on an output pulse of light.

[0003] The phase angle is measured through various demodulation techniques of the output pulse. Typical demodulation techniques employ a quadrature component Q and an in-phase component I of the output pulse. The quadrature component Q corresponds to a sine of the phase angle, and the in-phase component I corresponds to a cosine of the phase angle. An arctangent of the ratio Q/I is equal to the phase angle. The magnitude of the change in the parameter can then be calculated from the change in the phase angle.

[0004] Calculation of the quadrature component Q and the in-phase component I requires multiple samples of the output pulse at specific intervals of the phase generated carrier. A period of the phase generated carrier is significantly longer than a period of the output pulse. The longer period of the phase generated carrier requires the samples to span several output pulses to obtain each required interval of the phase generated carrier. The longer period of the phase generated carrier reduces the sampling rate of the demodulation technique.

[0005] High-speed phase generated carriers (e.g., a frequency greater than 1 MHz, or a period less than 1000 nanoseconds) do not permit the precise control of a demodulation phase offset β associated with the phase generated carrier. One shortcoming of the demodulation techniques is that a variation in the demodulation phase offset β from a fixed value reduces the accuracy of the demodulation techniques.

[0006] Thus, a need exists for reduced dependency on demodulation phase offsets for demodulation techniques of fiber optic sensor arrays that employ phase generated carriers.

SUMMARY

[0007] The invention in one embodiment encompasses a method. A sensor array employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle φ on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier with a demodulation phase offset β. The phase angle φ is calculated independently of the demodulation phase offset β.

[0008] Another embodiment of the invention encompasses an apparatus. A sensor array employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle φ on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier with a demodulation phase offset β. The apparatus comprises a processor component that calculates the phase angle φ independent from the demodulation phase offset β.

[0009] A further embodiment of the invention encompasses an article. A sensor array employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle φ on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier with a demodulation phase offset β. The article includes one or more computer-readable signal-bearing media. The article includes means in the one or more media for calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Features of exemplary implementations of the invention will become apparent from the description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a representation of one exemplary implementation of an apparatus that comprises one or more lasers, one or more optical switches, one or more phase modulators, one or more sensor arrays, one or more optical receivers, and one or more processor components for calculating a phase angle of an optical signal independently of a demodulation phase offset.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a representation of an exemplary plot of one or more interference pulses for the exemplary implementation of FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a representation of one exemplary set of calculations for the exemplary implementation of FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a representation of another exemplary set of calculations for the exemplary implementation of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 5 is an exemplary plot of an accuracy of a prior art demodulation technique that is dependent on a demodulation phase offset.

[0016]FIG. 6 is an exemplary plot of an accuracy of the exemplary implementation of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a second exemplary plot of the accuracy of the exemplary implementation of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Turning to FIG. 1, an apparatus 100 in one example comprises a plurality of components such as computer software and/or hardware components. A number of such components can be combined or divided in the apparatus 100. An exemplary component of the apparatus 100 employs and/or comprises a set and/or series of computer instructions written in or implemented with any of a number of programming languages, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 in one example comprises one or more lasers 102, one or more optical switches 104, one or more phase modulators 106, one or more sensor arrays 108, one or more optical receivers 110, and one or more processor components 112. In one example, the apparatus 100 demodulates an optical signal to measure a change in a parameter, as described herein. The laser 102 in one example comprises a continuous wave laser. The laser 102 generates and sends an optical signal through the optical switch 104 and the phase modulator 106 to the sensor array 108.

[0020] The optical switch 104 in one example comprises a time division multiplexed (“TDM”) switch. The optical switch 104 gates the optical signal such that the optical signal comprises a stream of optical pulses. The phase modulator 106 impresses a phase generated carrier (“PGC”) 114 on the stream of optical pulses. For example, the laser 102, the optical switch 104, and the phase modulator 106 cooperate to create one or more optical pulses 116 that comprise the phase generated carrier 114, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The optical pulse 116 comprises a period T_(pulse). The period T_(pulse) in one example is approximately between 100 nanoseconds and 1000 nanoseconds. The phase generated carrier 114 in one example comprises a period T_(pgc) and a modulation depth of M. The period T_(pgc) comprises a relationship with a frequency f_(pgc)=1/T_(pgc), as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The frequency f_(pgc) in one example is approximately between 2 MHz and 20 MHz. The phase generated carrier 114 is associated with a demodulation phase offset β. The phase generated carrier 114 creates a time-varying phase angle equal to $M \cdot {{\sin \left( {\frac{2{\pi \cdot t}}{T_{pgc}} + \beta} \right)}.}$

[0021] The sensor array 108 in one example comprises one or more sensors 124, 126, and 128, for example, mismatched path interferometers. The sensor array 108 splits the optical pulse 116 into one or more optical pulses 118, 120, and 122, for example, one pulse per sensor. The optical pulses 116, 118, 120, and 122 in one example are substantially the same. The sensors 124, 126, and 128 of the sensor array 108 receive the optical pulses 118, 120, and 122, respectively. The sensors 124, 126, and 128 of the sensor array 108 in one example employ one or more parameters and the optical pulses 118, 120, and 122 to create one or more respective interference pulses 130, 132, and 134. Exemplary parameters comprise acoustic vibration, fluid pressure variations, acceleration, and magnetic field intensity. For example, the sensor 124 splits the optical pulse 118 into a first portion and a second portion. The sensor 124 employs the parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle φ on the first portion of the optical pulse 118, relative to the second portion of the optical pulse 118. The sensor 124 recombines the first portion of the optical pulse 118 with the second portion of the optical pulse 124 to create the interference pulse 130. A time-varying amplitude variation of the interference pulse 130 represents the time-varying phase angle φ between the first portion and the second portion of the optical pulse 118.

[0022] The optical pulses 116 comprise an intermediary spacing such that the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134 comprise a relatively small spacing, for example, a high duty cycle, as described herein. The interference pulses 130, 132, and 134 comprise a period substantially equal to the period T_(pulse) of the optical pulse 116. The sensor array 108 sends the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134 to the optical receiver 110 in a pulse train 136, for example, in a serial fashion. For example, the optical pulse train 136 comprises the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134.

[0023] The optical receiver 110 in one example comprises one or more photodiodes 138. In a further example, the optical receiver 110 comprises a transimpedance amplifier 140. The optical receiver 110 in one example comprises a polarization diversity receiver system (not shown), as defined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,507, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The optical receiver 110 receives the optical pulse train 136. The optical receiver 110 then creates one or more respective analog electrical signals that represent the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134 from the optical pulse train 136. For example, the optical receiver 110 converts a magnitude of power of the optical pulse train 136 to a voltage signal.

[0024] The processor component 112 in one example comprises a digital signal processor. In a further example, the processor component 112 comprises an analog-to-digital converter component 142. The processor component 112 in one example comprises an instance of a computer-readable signal-bearing media 144, as described herein. The analog-to-digital converter component 142 converts the analog electrical signal from the optical receiver 110 into a digital signal. The processor component 112 in one example serves to sense a change in the parameters by employing the time-varying amplitude variation of the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134 to calculate the time-varying phase angle φ.

[0025] An illustrative description of exemplary operation of the apparatus 100 is presented, for explanatory purposes. The laser 102, the optical switch 104, and the phase modulator 106 cooperate to create the one or more optical pulses 116. The sensor array 108 splits the optical pulse 116 into the optical pulses 118, 120, and 122. The sensors 124, 126, and 128 employ the parameters and the optical pulses 118, 120, and 122 to create the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134. The sensor array 108 sends the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134 as the optical pulse train 136 to the optical receiver 110.

[0026] The optical receiver 110 creates an analog electrical signal that represent the one or more interference pulses 130, 132, and 134. For example, the analog electrical signal is defined as s(t, M, β, φ): ${{s\left( {t,M,\beta,\phi} \right)} = {A + {B \cdot {\cos \left( {{M \cdot {\sin \left( {\frac{2{\pi \cdot t}}{T_{pgc}} + \beta} \right)}} + \phi} \right)}}}},$

[0027] where A is an average signal level, B is an interference term signal level, M is the modulation depth, T_(pgc) is the period of the phase generated carrier, β is the demodulation phase offset, and φ is the phase angle. The phase angle of s(t, M, β, φ) comprises a first portion due to the phase generated carrier, ${M \cdot {\sin \left( {\frac{2{\pi \cdot t}}{T_{pgc}} + \beta} \right)}},$

[0028] and a second portion due to the parameter, φ, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0029] The analog-to-digital converter component 142 in one example converts the analog electrical signal from the optical receiver 110 into a digital signal that represents the interference pulse 130. The processor component 112 obtains a plurality of samples S_(n), n=0 to x, of the interference pulse 130 from the digital signal. The processor component 112 obtains the plurality of samples S_(n) at time intervals Δt over a period T_(s). The period T_(s) in one example is substantially equal to the period T_(pgc) of the phase generated carrier 114. The period T_(s) in one example serves to promote an increase in sampling rate, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In one example, the period T_(s) is less than or equal to 1.125×T_(pulse). In a further example, the period T_(s) is less than or equal to T_(pulse).

[0030] The time interval Δt in one example is equal to an even fraction of the period T_(pgc), (e.g. T_(pgc)/8 or T_(pgc)/16). In one example, the processor component 112 obtains the plurality of samples S_(n) starting at a time t₀, with a time interval Δt of T_(pgc)/8. For example, the plurality of samples S_(n) comprise eight samples at t₀, t₀+Δt, t₀+2Δt, t₀+3Δt, t₀+4Δt, t₀+5Δt, t₀+6Δt, and t₀+7Δt. In another example, the processor component 112 obtains the plurality of samples S_(n) starting at a time t₀ with a time interval Δt of T_(pgc)/16. For example, the plurality of samples S_(n) comprise sixteen samples at t₀, t₀+Δt, t₀+2Δt, t₀+3Δt, t₀+4Δt, t₀+5Δt, t₀+6Δt, t₀+7Δt, t₀+8Δt, t₀+9Δt, t₀+10Δt, t₀+11Δt, t₀+12Δt, t₀+13Δt, t₀+14Δt, and t₀+15Δt.

[0031] The processor component 112 employs one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n) to calculate one or more quadrature terms and one or more in-phase terms. The processor component 112 in one example calculates a set of quadrature terms Q_(j), j=0 to y. For example, the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) comprises a number of quadrature terms equal to ½ a number of samples of the plurality of samples S_(n). In one example where the plurality of samples S_(n) comprises eight samples, y is equal to three, and the processor component 112 calculates the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) as:

Q ₀ =S ₀ −S ₄ , Q ₁ =S ₁ −S ₅ , Q ₂ =S ₂ −S ₆, and Q ₃ =S ₃ −S ₇   (FIG. 3).

[0032] In another example where the plurality of samples S_(n) comprises sixteen samples, y is equal to seven, and the processor component 112 calculates the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) as:

Q ₀ =S ₀ −S ₈ , Q ₁ =S ₁ −S ₉ , Q ₂ =S ₂ −S ₁₀ , Q ₃ =S ₃ −S ₁₁,

Q ₄ =S ₄ −S ₁₂ , Q ₅ =S ₅ −S ₁₃ , Q ₆ =S ₆ −S ₁₄, and Q ₇ =S ₇ −S ₁₅   (FIG. 4).

[0033] The processor component 112 in one example calculates a set of in-phase terms I_(k), k=0 to z. For example, the set of in-phase terms I_(k) comprises a number of in-phase terms equal to ¼ the number of samples of the plurality of samples S_(n). In one example where the plurality of samples S_(n) comprises eight samples, z is equal to one, and the processor component 112 calculates the set of in-phase terms I_(k) as:

I ₀=(S ₀ +S ₄)−(S ₂ +S ₆), and

I ₁=(S ₁ +S ₅)−(S ₃ +S ₇)   (FIG. 3).

[0034] In another example where the plurality of samples S_(n) comprises sixteen samples, z is equal to three, and the processor component 112 calculates the set of in-phase terms I_(k) as:

I ₀=(S ₀ +S ₈)−(S ₄ +S ₁₂), I _(i)=(S ₁ +S ₉)−(S ₅ +S ₁₃),

I ₂=(S ₂ +S ₁₀)−(S ₆ +S ₁₄), and I ₃=(S ₃ +S ₁₁)−(S ₇ +S ₁₅)   (FIG. 4).

[0035] The processor component 112 employs the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) to calculate a quadrature term Q_(ab) and a quadrature term Q_(s). The processor component 112 in one example calculates the quadrature term Q_(ab) to be equal to a maximum value of absolute values of the set of quadrature terms Q_(j):

Q _(ab)=max(|Q _(j)|).

[0036] The quadrature term Q_(ab) is independent from the demodulation phase offset β, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The processor component 112 calculates a constant C₁ as described herein. The processor component 112 in one example calculates the quadrature term Q_(s) as: $Q_{s} = {C_{1} \times {\sqrt{\sum\limits_{j = 0}^{j = y}\quad Q_{j}^{2}}.}}$

[0037] The quadrature term Q_(s) is independent from the demodulation phase offset β, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0038] The processor component 112 employs the set of in-phase terms I_(k) to calculate an in-phase term I_(s). The processor component 112 calculates a constant C₂ as described herein. The processor component 112 in one example calculates the in-phase term I_(s) as: $I_{s} = {C_{2} \times {\sqrt{\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{k = z}\quad I_{k}^{2}}.}}$

[0039] The in-phase term I_(s) is independent from the demodulation phase offset β, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The processor component 112 in one example calculates the constant C₁ and the constant C₂ such that respective absolute values of the quadrature term Q_(s), the quadrature term Q_(ab), and the in-phase term I_(s) are substantially equal at a modulation depth M of an operating range.

[0040] The processor component 112 employs the quadrature terms Q_(s) and Q_(ab) to calculate a quadrature term Q_(m). The processor component 112 in one example employs the quadrature terms Q_(s) and Q_(ab) to calculate a correction term ΔQ, for example:

ΔQ=Q _(s) −Q _(ab).

[0041] The processor component 112 employs a linear combination of the quadrature term Q_(s) and the correction term ΔQ to calculate the quadrature term Q_(m). The processor component 112 in one example calculates a constant C₃ and calculates Q_(m) according to a first order linear equation:

Q _(m) =Q _(s)+(C ₃ ×ΔQ).

[0042] The processor component 112 calculates the constant C₃ to promote an increase in a maximum variation of the modulation depth M. The quadrature terms Q_(ab) and Q_(s) and the in-phase term I_(s) change with respect to the modulation depth M at different respective rates. The changes with respect to the modulation depth M reduce the accuracy of the calculation of the phase angle φ, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The correction term ΔQ serves to create the quadrature term Q_(m) such that the quadrature term Q_(m) and the in-phase term I_(s) comprise a substantially equal rate of change with respect to the modulation depth M over an operating range for the phase generated carrier. The substantially equal rates of change with respect to the modulation depth M of the quadrature term Q_(m) and the in-phase term I_(s) reduces a sensitivity to a change in the modulation depth M of the calculation of the phase angle φ, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0043] For example, at a modulation depth M of an operating range for the phase generated carrier, Q_(ab), Q_(s), and I_(s) are substantially equal and ΔQ is equal to zero. As the modulation depth M deviates from the operating point within the operating range, Q_(s) and Q_(ab) change with respect to the modulation depth M with different rates. The change in Q_(s) and Q_(ab) cause a deviation in ΔQ, and subsequently a change in Q_(m). A rate of change of Q_(m) and a rate of change of I_(s) with respect to the modulation depth M are substantially equal within the operating range, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0044] The modulation depth M in one example is between 1.0 and 1.7 radians. For example, the modulation depth M is sufficiently large to promote an increase in signal strength of the phase generated carrier 114. The modulation depth M in a further example is sufficiently small to promote stability of the quadrature term Q_(s) and the in-phase term I_(s) with respect to a change in the modulation depth M. For example, the modulation depth M is approximately equal to π/2.

[0045] The processor component 112 employs one or more of the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) and the quadrature term Q_(m) to calculate a quadrature term Q. The processor component 112 in one example employs a magnitude of the quadrature term Q_(m) and a sign of one of the quadrature terms of the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) to calculate Q. For example, the processor component 112 chooses the quadrature term Q₁ that comprises a relatively large magnitude to avoid a zero crossing of the magnitude. The processor component 112 chooses a different quadrature term with a larger magnitude, for example, the quadrature term Q₀, when the magnitude of the quadrature term Q₁ approaches zero. The quadrature term Q is independent from the demodulation phase offset β, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0046] The processor component 112 employs one or more of the set of in-phase terms I_(k) and the in-phase term I_(s) to calculate an in-phase term I. The processor component 112 in one example employs a magnitude of the in-phase term I_(s) and a sign of one of the in-phase terms of the set of in-phase terms I_(s) to calculate I. For example, the processor component 112 chooses an in-phase term I₁ that comprises a relatively large magnitude to avoid a zero crossing of the magnitude. The processor component 112 chooses a different in-phase term, for example, the in-phase term I₀, when the magnitude of the in-phase term I₁ approaches zero. The in-phase term I is independent from the demodulation phase offset β, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0047] A change in the demodulation phase offset β in one example changes the sign of the quadrature term Q and/or the in-phase term I. Four bands of operation of width π/2 in one example exist across a total range of 0 to 2π for the demodulation phase offset β. Where the magnitude of the demodulation phase offset β is near a border of a band of operation, the magnitude of the in-phase term I_(k) chosen to determine the sign of I and/or the magnitude of the quadrature term Q_(j) chosen to determine the sign of Q may approach zero. When the magnitude of the in-phase term I_(k) chosen to determine the sign of I and/or the magnitude of the quadrature term Q_(j) chosen to determine the sign of Q approaches zero, the processor component 112 chooses a different quadrature term Q_(j) and/or in-phase term I_(k). The processor component 112 chooses a different quadrature term Q_(j) and/or in-phase term I_(k) to promote the calculation of the phase angle φ independent from the demodulation phase offset β. The phase modulator 106 in one example maintains the demodulation phase offset β within a range significantly smaller than 0 to π/2, therefore the demodulation phase offset β does not need to be known, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0048] The processor component 112 employs the quadrature term Q and the in-phase term I to calculate the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β. Since the quadrature term Q and the in-phase term I are independent from the demodulation phase offset β, the calculation of the phase angle φ is independent from the demodulation phase offset β. The processor component 112 in one example calculates the phase angle:

φ=arctangent (Q/I).

[0049] The processor component 112 in one example employs the change in the phase angle φ between multiple instances of the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134 to determine the change in the parameters employed by the sensors 124, 126, and 128.

[0050] Turning to FIG. 2, the plot 202 comprises an exemplary representation of the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134 and appropriate sampling times for the processor component 112 with respect to time t. The interference pulses 130, 132, and 134 are represented by the analog electrical signal s(t, M, β, φ). The quadrature and in-phase components of the interference pulses are represented by s(t, M, β, π/2) and s(t, M, β, 0), respectively. One or more square pulses 230, 232, and 234 represent the period T_(pulse) of the interference pulses 130, 132, and 134, respectively. The square pulses 230, 232, and 234 comprise a spacing period of T_(space). The square pulses 230, 232, and 234 in one example comprise a high duty cycle, for example, the sampling period T_(s) is substantially longer than the spacing period T_(space).

[0051] The processor component 112 in one example obtains eight samples from the respective interference pulses 130, 132, and 134. The processor component 112 in one example obtains the samples at a constant rate over the period T_(s). For example, the processor component 112 obtains eight samples, S₀ through S₇, for the interference pulse 130, discards the next three samples S_(discard), obtains the next eight samples, S₀ through S₇, for the interference pulse 132, discards the next three samples S_(discard), and so forth.

[0052] Turning to FIG. 3, a plot 302 comprises a representation of a set of calculations for the quadrature terms Q_(j) and the in-phase terms I_(k) for eight samples of the interference pulse 130. Where eight samples are taken, x=7, y=3 and z=1. The processor component 112 calculates a given term by adding and subtracting a plurality of the samples S_(n) in a respective row of the given term. The processor component 112 adds or subtracts a sample according to a sign designated in the row/column pair for the given term and the sample. If a sign is not listed for a sample, the sample is not used for the given term. For example, the processor component 112 calculates Q₀ as +S₀−S₄, Q₂ as +S₂−S₆, and I₀ as +S₀−S₂+S₄−S₆.

[0053] Turning to FIG. 4, a plot 402 comprises a representation of a set of calculations for the quadrature terms Q_(j) and the in-phase terms I_(k) for sixteen samples of the interference pulse 130. Where sixteen samples are taken, x=15, y=7, and z=3. For example, the processor component 112 calculates Q₀ as +S₀−S₈, Q₁ as +S₂−S₉, and I₀ as +S₀−S₄+S₈−S₁₂. Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, patterns of the + and the − signs in one example can be seen for the quadrature terms Q_(j) and the in-phase terms I_(k), respectively. For example, similar patterns can be used to calculate a set of quadrature terms Q_(j) and I_(k) for a plurality of samples with a different number of samples.

[0054] Turning to FIGS, 5, 6, and 7, plots 502, 602, and 702 comprise a representation of the accuracy of the calculation of the phase angle φ for various methods. The accuracy of the calculation of the phase angle φ is measured by calculating a value Δφ. For example, an output phase angle φ_(out) of the phase generated carrier 114 and an input phase angle φ_(in) of the phase generated carrier 114 are used to calculate:

Δφ=φ_(out)−φ_(in).

[0055] The accuracy Δφ is shown as a function of the input phase angle φ, with plots for various values of the demodulation phase offset β and the modulation depth M. The accuracy was calculated using MathCAD (Mathsoft Engineering & Education, Inc., Cambridge, Mass. 02142, http://www.mathcad.com) using a pseudo-random number generator to add a variable amplitude noise to the analog electrical signal s(t, M, β, φ). The variable amplitude noise comprises a peak 0.1% fluctuation with a uniform probability density. For comparison, plots 502, 602, and 702 comprise a same scale with an input phase angle φ between −1.5 radians and 1.5 radians and an accuracy Δφ within 0.01 radians and −0.01 radians.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 5, plot 502 represents the accuracy of a prior art demodulation technique that is dependent on the demodulation phase offset β and the modulation depth M. A mean value of Δφ for the prior art demodulation technique of FIG. 5 is approximately 2.5 milliradians, where β is varied within 0.00175 radians about an operating point of 0.29 radians, and M is varied within 0.05 radians about an operating point of π radians.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, plot 602 represents an exemplary accuracy of calculation of the phase offset φ where eight samples are taken (e.g. x=7, y=3, z=1). A mean value of Δφ for the plot 602 is approximately 4 milliradians, where β is varied between 0.1 and 1.1, and the modulation depth M is varied within 0.05 radians about an operating point of 1.63 radians.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 7, plot 702 represents an exemplary accuracy of calculation of the phase offset φ where sixteen samples are taken (e.g. x=15, y=7, z=3). A mean value of Δφ for the plot 702 is approximately 2.5 milliradians, where β is varied between 0.2 and 1.3, and M is varied within 0.07 radians about an operating point of 1.6 radians. The plots 602 and 702 comprise a similar accuracy to the prior art demodulation technique of FIG. 5 with a reduced restraint on the demodulation phase offset.

[0059] The apparatus 100 in one example employs one or more computer-readable signal-bearing media. One example of a computer-readable signal-bearing media for the apparatus 100 comprises the recordable data storage media 144 of the processor component 112. For example, the computer-readable signal-bearing media for the apparatus 100 comprises one or more of a magnetic, electrical, optical, biological, and atomic data storage media. In one example, the computer-readable signal-bearing media comprises a modulated carrier signal transmitted over a network comprising or coupled with the apparatus 100, for instance, one or more of a telephone network, a local area network (“LAN”), the internet, and a wireless network.

[0060] The steps or operations described herein are just exemplary. There may be many variations to these steps or operations without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted, or modified.

[0061] Although exemplary implementations of the invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, a sensor array that employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle φ on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier with a demodulation phase offset β, the method comprising the step of: calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: sampling an output signal from the sensor array to obtain a plurality of samples S_(n), wherein n=0 to x; wherein the step of calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β comprises the step of: calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β through employment of one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n).
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β through employment of the one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n) comprises the steps of: calculating one or more quadrature terms and one or more in-phase terms through employment of one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein one or more of the one or more quadrature terms and one or more of the one or more in-phase terms are substantially independent from the demodulation phase offset β; and calculating the phase angle φ through employment of the one or more quadrature terms and the one or more in-phase terms.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the output signal comprises a period T_(pulse), wherein the step of sampling the output signal from the sensor array to obtain the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein n=0 to x comprises the step of: sampling the output signal from the sensor array to obtain a plurality of samples S_(n) within a period T_(s), wherein n=0 to x, wherein T_(s) is less than or equal to 1.125×T_(pulse).
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein T_(s) is less than or equal to T_(pulse).
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β through employment of the one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n) comprises the steps of: calculating one or more quadrature terms and one or more in-phase terms through employment of one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein one or more of the one or more quadrature terms and one or more of the one or more in-phase terms are substantially independent from the demodulation phase offset β; calculating the phase angle φ through employment of the one or more quadrature terms and the one or more in-phase terms.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of calculating the one or more quadrature terms and the one or more in-phase terms through employment of the one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein the one or more of the one or more quadrature terms and the one or more of the one or more in-phase terms are substantially independent from the demodulation phase offset β comprises the steps of: calculating a set of quadrature terms Q_(j) and a set of in-phase terms I_(k) through employment of one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein j=0 to y, wherein k=0 to z; calculating a quadrature term Q_(ab) from a largest term of absolute values of the set of quadrature terms Q_(j); calculating a constant C₁ and a constant C₂; calculating a quadrature term ${Q_{s} = {C_{1} \times \sqrt{\sum\limits_{j = 0}^{j = y}\quad Q_{j}^{2}}}},$

wherein Q_(s) is substantially independent from the demodulation phase offset β; and calculating an in-phase term ${I_{s} = {C_{2} \times \sqrt{\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{k = z}\quad I_{k}^{2}}}},$

wherein I_(s) is substantially independent from the demodulation phase offset β.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of calculating the constant C₁ and the constant C₂ comprises the step of: calculating the constant C₁ and the constant C₂ such that an amplitude of the quadrature term Q_(s), an amplitude of the quadrature term Q_(ab), and an amplitude of the in-phase term I_(s) comprise a substantially same amplitude for a modulation depth M of an operating range for the phase generated carrier.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein x=7, y=3, z=1, wherein the step of calculating the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) and the set of in-phase terms I_(k) through employment of the one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein j=0 to y, wherein k=0 to z comprises the steps of: calculating Q₀=S₀−S₄; calculating Q₁=S₁−S₅; calculating Q₂=S₂−S₆; calculating Q₃=S₃−S₇; calculating I₀=(S₀+S₄)−(S₂+S₆); and calculating I₁=(S₁+S₅)−(S₃+S₇).
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein x=15, y=7, z=3, wherein the step of calculating the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) and the set of in-phase terms I_(k) through employment of the one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein j=0 to y, wherein k=0 to z comprises the steps of: calculating Q₀=S₀−S₈; calculating Q₁=S₁−S₉; calculating Q₂=S₂−S₁₀; calculating Q₃=S₃−S₁₁; calculating Q₄=S₄−S₁₂; calculating Q₅=S₅−S₁₃; calculating Q₆=S₆−S₁₄; calculating Q₇=S₇−S₁₅; calculating I₀=(S₀+S₈)−(S₄+S₁₂); calculating I₁=(S₁+S₉)−(S₅+S₁₃); calculating I₀=(S₂+S₁₀)−(S₆+S₁₄); and calculating I₁=(S₃+S₁₁)−(S₇+S₁₅).
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of calculating the phase angle φ through employment of the one or more quadrature terms and the one or more in-phase terms comprises the steps of: calculating a correction term ΔQ; calculating a quadrature term Q_(m) from the quadrature term Q_(s) and the correction term ΔQ; calculating a quadrature term Q from a magnitude of the quadrature term Q_(m) and one or more quadrature terms of the set of quadrature terms Q_(j); calculating an in-phase term I from a magnitude of the in-phase term I_(s) and one or more in-phase terms of the set of in-phase terms I_(k); and calculating the phase angle φ from an arctangent of a quantity Q/I.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of calculating the correction term ΔQ comprises the step of: calculating the correction term ΔQ=Q_(s)−Q_(ab).
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of calculating the quadrature term Q_(m) from the quadrature terms Q_(s) and ΔQ comprises the step of: calculating a constant C₃; and calculating Q_(m)=Q_(s)+(C₃×ΔQ).
 14. An apparatus, a sensor array that employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle φ on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier with a demodulation phase offset β, the apparatus comprising: a processor component that calculates the phase angle φ independent from the demodulation phase offset β.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor component obtains a plurality of samples S_(n) of an output signal from the sensor array, wherein n=0 to x; wherein the processor component employs one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n) to calculate the phase angle φ independent from the demodulation phase offset β.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processor component employs one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n) of the output signal to calculate one or more quadrature terms and one or more in-phase terms, wherein one or more of the one or more quadrature terms and one or more of the one or more in-phase terms are substantially independent from the demodulation phase offset β of the phase generated carrier; wherein the processor component employs the one or more quadrature terms and the one or more in-phase terms to calculate the phase angle φ.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the output signal comprises a period T_(pulse), wherein the processor component obtains the plurality of samples S_(n) within a period T_(s), wherein T_(s) is less than or equal to 1.125×T_(pulse).
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein T_(s) is less than or equal to T_(pulse).
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processor component employs one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n) of the output signal to calculate one or more quadrature terms and one or more in-phase terms, wherein one or more of the one or more quadrature terms and one or more of the one or more in-phase terms are substantially independent from the demodulation phase offset β of the phase generated carrier; wherein the processor component employs the one or more quadrature terms and the one or more in-phase terms to calculate the phase angle φ.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more of the one or more quadrature terms comprise a quadrature term Q_(ab) and a quadrature term Q_(s), wherein the one or more of the one or more in-phase terms comprise an in-phase term I_(s); wherein the processor component employs one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n), the quadrature term Q_(ab), the quadrature term Q_(s), and the in-phase term I_(s) to calculate the phase angle φ.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the processor component employs the plurality of samples S_(n) to calculate a set of quadrature terms Q_(j) and a set of in-phase terms I_(k), wherein j=0 to y, wherein k=0 to z; wherein the processor component employs the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) to calculate the quadrature term Q_(ab)=max(|Q_(j)|), wherein j=0 to y; wherein the processor component employs the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) and the set of in-phase terms I_(k) to calculate the quadrature term Q_(s), and the in-phase term I_(s).
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the processor component calculates a constant C₁ and a constant C₂, wherein the processor component calculates: ${Q_{s} = {C_{1} \times \sqrt{\sum\limits_{j = 0}^{j = y}\quad Q_{j}^{2}}}};$

wherein the processor component calculates: ${I_{s} = {C_{2} \times \sqrt{\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{k = z}\quad I_{k}^{2}}}};$

wherein the processor component calculates the constant C₁ and the constant C₂ such that a magnitude of the quadrature term Q_(s), a magnitude of the quadrature term Q_(ab), and a magnitude of the in-phase term I_(s) comprise a substantially same magnitude at a modulation depth M of an operating range for the phase generated carrier.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the processor component employs the quadrature term Q_(ab) and the quadrature term Q_(s) to calculate a correction term ΔQ=Q_(s)−Q_(ab); wherein the processor component employs the quadrature term Q_(s) and the correction term ΔQ to calculate a quadrature term Q_(m); wherein the processor component employs the quadrature term Q_(m), the in-phase term I_(s), the set of quadrature terms Q_(j), and the set of in-phase terms I_(k) to calculate the phase angle φ.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the processor component employs the quadrature term Q_(m) and the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) to calculate a quadrature term Q, wherein the processor component employs the in-phase term I_(s) and the set of in-phase terms I_(k) to calculate an in-phase term I; wherein the processor component calculates: Q=±Q _(m); wherein the processor component calculates: I=±I _(s); wherein the processor component employs the set of quadrature terms Q_(j) to determine a sign of Q; wherein the processor component employs the set of in-phase terms I_(k) to determine a sign of I; wherein the processor component calculates: φ=arctangent (Q/I).
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the processor component calculates a constant C₃, wherein the processor component calculates: Q _(m) =Q _(s)+(C ₃ ×ΔQ).
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein x=7, y=3, and z=1; wherein the processor component calculates: Q ₀ =S ₀ −S ₄ , Q ₁ =S ₁ −S ₅ , Q ₂ =S ₂ −S ₆, and Q ₃ =S ₃ −S ₇; wherein the processor component calculates: I ₀=(S ₀ +S ₄)−(S ₂ +S ₆); and I ₁(S ₁ +S ₅)−(S ₃ +S ₇).
 27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein x=15, y=7, and z=3; wherein the processor component calculates: Q ₀ =S ₀ −S ₈ , Q ₁ =S ₁ −S ₉ , Q ₂ =S ₂ −S ₁₀ , Q ₃ =S ₃ −S ₁₁, Q ₄ =S ₄ −S ₁₂ , Q ₅ =S ₅ −S ₁₃ , Q ₆ =S ₆ −S ₁₄, and Q ₇ =S ₇ −S ₁₅; wherein the processor component calculates: I ₀=(S ₀ +S ₈)−(S ₄ +S ₁₂), I ₁=(S ₁ 30 S ₉)−(S ₅ +S ₁₃), I ₂=(S ₂ +S ₁₀)−(S ₆ +S ₁₄), and I ₃=(S ₃ +S ₁₁)−(S ₇ +S ₁₅).
 28. An article, a sensor array that employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle φ on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier with a demodulation phase offset β, the article comprising: one or more computer-readable signal-bearing media; means in the one or more media for calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β.
 29. The article of claim 28, further comprising: means in the one or more media for sampling an output signal from the sensor array to obtain a plurality of samples S_(n), wherein n=0 to x; wherein the means in the one or more media for calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β comprises: means in the one or more media for calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β through employment of one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n).
 30. The article of claim 29, wherein the means in the one or more media for calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β through employment of the one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n) comprises: means in the one or more media for calculating one or more quadrature terms and one or more in-phase terms through employment of one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein one or more of the one or more quadrature terms and one or more of the one or more in-phase terms are substantially independent from the demodulation phase offset β; and means in the one or more media for calculating the phase angle φ through employment of the one or more quadrature terms and the one or more in-phase terms.
 31. The article of claim 29, wherein the output signal comprises a period T_(pulse), wherein the means in the one or more media for sampling the output signal from the sensor array to obtain the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein n=0 to x comprises: means in the one or more media for sampling the output signal from the sensor array to obtain the plurality of samples S_(n) within a period T_(s), wherein n=0 to x, wherein T_(s) is less than or equal to 1.125×T_(pulse).
 32. The article of claim 31, wherein T_(s) is less than or equal to T_(pulse).
 33. The article of claim 31, wherein the means in the one or more media for calculating the phase angle φ independently of the demodulation phase offset β through employment of the one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n) comprises: means in the one or more media for calculating one or more quadrature terms and one or more in-phase terms through employment of one or more of the plurality of samples S_(n), wherein one or more of the one or more quadrature terms and one or more of the one or more in-phase terms are substantially independent from the demodulation phase offset β; means in the one or more media for calculating the phase angle φ through employment of the one or more quadrature terms and the one or more in-phase terms. 